U.S. Drones Flying Over Gaza Searching for Hostages

Two U.S. officials revealed that the United States is conducting reconnaissance drone flights over Gaza in search of hostages taken by Hamas during its attack on Israel on October 7. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the U.S. is operating drones to gather intelligence above Gaza to aid in the efforts to locate the hostages. One official noted that drone flights have been ongoing for over a week. U.S. officials indicate that ten Americans are among the missing, possibly among more than 200 individuals held in Gaza, believed to be within Hamas's extensive tunnel network. Israeli forces surrounded Gaza City, the main city in the enclave, on Thursday as part of their offensive against Hamas, which has been launching hit-and-run attacks from the tunnels. Health authorities in Gaza report that the Israeli response to the enclave, home to 2.3 million people, has resulted in the deaths of at least 9,061 individuals.